MacBook Pro - Replacing Optical Drive with HDD/SSD

[wyverary]

So, my Macbook Pro's optical drive died, yet again.

I looked into my options, and it turns out that you can actually replace the DVD drive with a second hard drive, and set that as the primary boot disk.

So I went ahead and ordered a USB optical drive for 20 bucks, and I'm thinking about, in future, when funds allow, implementing this fascinating setup. I'd love the speed of an SSD while still being able to access the files on the built-in HDD.

Has anyone ever done this? Is it possible to boot from a Boot Camp partition on the original, internal drive?

(NO APPLE HATERS! I am a full-time CIT student, I am aware of the differences between Mac hardware vs. that of Windows systems. I am simply seeking advice from those that might have experience, and I sure as hell am not buying a brand new computer. )

 

[Xenocity]

how old is your Macbook Pro?

 

[wyverary]

It's a Mid-2012 i7 13" with 8GB of RAM and a 2.9GHz processor.

In other words, the last model they made that had a HDD and an optical drive.

 

[Xenocity]

https://www.apple.com/support/macbookpro-videoissues/

If it is also one featuring graphic card issues, then take it into Apple to get it fixed before doing anything.
If you have the money, get a new Macbook Pro and sell this one for as much as possible.
Apple products have high resale values.

 

[wyverary]

https://www.apple.com/support/macbookpro-videoissues/

If it is also one featuring graphic card issues, then take it into Apple to get it fixed before doing anything.
If you have the money, get a new Macbook Pro and sell this one for as much as possible.
Apple products have high resale values.

I have not experienced this issue, nor does my model fall under those mentioned. And I am not about to sell my Mac, as I hope for it to last as long as possible.

 

[Judge]

I've always had the impression that laptop optical drives in general are simply too fragile by design. I would have opted for an external USB device as well. Just not sure what $20 can get you as a replacement....

 

[s3_gunzel]

I'd love the speed of an SSD while still being able to access the files on the built-in HDD.

If it were me, I'd be putting the SSD into the SATA port, and then HDDing the other bit.

 

[wyverary]

If it were me, I'd be putting the SSD into the SATA port, and then HDDing the other bit.

That is probably what I would wind up doing in the end. It's just too complicated and expensive an undertaking for me right now. I'm going to wait until the Pell check clears and I've gotten my certification exams out of the way for the term to tackle it.

 

[Judge]

Once you go SSD you'll never go back.